Eielson flyover to salute Fairbanks community May 15

Eielson fighters unite in the sky

Two F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 356th Fighter Squadron and two F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron fly over Denali National Park in Alaska May 5, 2020. Both aircraft are assigned to units at Eielson Air Force Base, which is home to the Pacific Air Force’s premier large-force exercise, RED FLAG-Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla)

Published May 11, 2020
By Staff Report
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --

F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing are scheduled to honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with a flyover of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and the downtown Fairbanks area between 10 a.m. and noon May 15.

The flyover is part of the “Air Force Salutes” initiative designed to show appreciation to the countless heroes around the world battling the pandemic. The Fairbanks flyover additionally celebrates the bond between Eielson Air Force Base and the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

A three-ship formation of two F-35s and one F-16 will conduct the flyover. An additional two-seat F-16 aircraft will join the formation to visually document the flight.

Residents in the area are advised to adhere to all social distancing guidelines during this event, to include refraining from gathering in large groups to view the flyover.

More information including route details will be released on the Eielson Air Force Base website and social media channels later this week.

Media queries should be directed to the 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 354fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil or 907-377-2116 or the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital at Kelly.Atlee@foundationhealth.org or 907-458-5300.